Lot 210
Frank James Cover and Signed Letter, (January 10, 1843 - February 18, 1915) was a Confederate soldier, guerrilla and outlaw. He was the older brother of outlaw Jesse James and was also part of the James - Younger Gang: signature on letter datelined "Independence Jail, Nov 19th, 1883" to Major Greber how wrote to James asking for his signature (for his father's autograph collection) with interesting postscript below signature "I drink Mumms Dry" (champagne), attest written on the back of letter and cover by Major Greber in part…This letter was written by Frank James the notorious and brave highwayman from the prison in Independence…On the head of Frank James are various rewards of which the most important ils the State of Missouri ($10,000). Various other rewards come to $20,000, cover addressed by James to Greber in Kansas City, franked with 2¢ red brown with "Independence.Mo., Nov 19" cds alongside, Very Fine.Estimate $5,000 - 7,500.
A REMARKABLE COVER AND LETTER FROM THE NOTORIOUS OUTLAW AND HIGHLY CELEBRATED BANDIT FRANK JAMES.
During his years as a bandit, James was involved in at least four robberies between 1868 and 1876 that resulted in the deaths of bank employees or citizens. The most famous incident was the disastrous Northfield, Minnesota, raid on September 7, 1876, that ended with the death or capture of most of the gang. Five months after the killing of his brother Jesse in 1882, Frank James boarded a train to Jefferson City, Missouri, where he had an appointment with the governor in the state capitol. Placing his holster in Governor Crittenden's hands, he explained…"I have been hunted for twenty-one years, have literally lived in the saddle, have never known a day of perfect peace. It was one long, anxious, inexorable, eternal vigil". He then ended his statement by saying…"Governor, I haven't let another man touch my gun since 1861." After his surrender James was taken to Independence, Mo., where this letter was written. Later to Gallatin, where he remained in jail a year awaiting trial. Finally James was acquitted and went to Oklahoma to live with his mother. He never was in the penitentiary and never was convicted of any of the charges against him.